A new box has been added to the checklist for Washington’s youngest drivers. Since Nov. 1, 2026, anyone under 25 who is getting a first Washington driver license has to pass a free online course on work zone and first responder safety before the license is issued.
The Department of Licensing says the rule applies to first-time applicants only, so drivers who already hold a Washington license are not affected. The course takes about an hour and ends with a test.
Who Has to Take the Course and When It Started
The requirement is tied to two things, according to the Department of Licensing course page: the date a person gets a first Washington license and the person’s age that day. Anyone whose first license was issued on or before Oct. 31, 2026 does not need the course. For applicants who receive a first license on or after Nov. 1, 2026, it is required at every age from 16 through 24, and not required at 25 or older.
The course is free and open to anyone who wants it, even people who are not required to take it. The department describes it as a way to teach drivers how to handle roadside emergencies and work zones, where orange cones, speed reduction signs and flashing lights are the clues to slow down. The stated goal is to help drivers avoid hasty last-minute decisions near crews and emergency vehicles…